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The Jayaprakash Narayan International Centre (JPNIC) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, has become a focal point of a political clash between Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The incident unfolded on Thursday, October 10th, when Yadav was prevented from visiting the JPNIC, a museum dedicated to the memory of the renowned socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan. This occurred ahead of Yadav's planned tribute to JP Narayan on his birth anniversary, where he intended to garland a statue within the JPNIC.
Yadav's attempt to visit the JPNIC was met with barricades and a heavy police presence. He shared videos of the barricades outside his home, accusing the BJP of deliberately obstructing his plans. He stated that the BJP's actions were symbolic of negativity and claimed that the party sought to prevent the Samajwadi Party from honoring JP Narayan's memory. Yadav's frustration was evident as he questioned the government's motives in blocking the entrance with tin sheets and expressed his determination to pay tribute to the socialist thinker despite the obstacles.
The BJP, through its spokesperson Alok Awasthi, refuted Yadav's accusations. Awasthi asserted that the party holds great respect for all prominent leaders, including Jayaprakash Narayan, whom he described as a symbol of simplicity. He countered Yadav's accusations by criticizing his leadership style, claiming that his reign was characterized by anarchy, hooliganism, misgovernance, and corruption. Awasthi went further, stating that Yadav's actions are incongruent with the principles of Jayaprakash Narayan and Lohiaji (referring to socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia). The BJP's response highlights the political tension surrounding the incident and reflects the ongoing rivalry between the two parties.
Despite the obstacles, Yadav proceeded to garland a bust of JP Narayan mounted on a vehicle at his residence. He also appealed to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a BJP ally whose Janata Dal United party holds significant parliamentary power. Yadav urged Kumar, a prominent figure in JP Narayan's movement during the 1970s, to sever ties with the BJP over the JPNIC incident. This call for action underscores the political significance of the dispute and highlights the potential for further complications in the existing political alliances.
The controversy surrounding Yadav's visit to the JPNIC originated from the LDA's denial of permission. The LDA cited ongoing construction and concerns about insect risks following rainfall as reasons for denying access. They also raised security concerns related to Yadav's Z+ security status, stating that his presence at the JPNIC would be unsafe. The LDA's justification has been met with skepticism from Yadav and his supporters, who view it as a politically motivated attempt to stifle his tribute to JP Narayan.
The incident at the JPNIC serves as a microcosm of the political rivalry between the Samajwadi Party and the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. It highlights the deep ideological differences between the two parties and showcases their willingness to utilize symbols and memorials to advance their respective political agendas. The dispute also exposes the potential for further friction and conflict between the ruling party and the opposition in the state, with the implications extending beyond the immediate issue of access to the JPNIC.